Ibitoye can go to the next level, says Lam
The Rugby Paper|October 20, 2024
BRISTOL director of rugby Pat Lam believes in-form winger Gabriel Ibitoye is capable of playing at the next level.
MARK STEVENS
Ibitoye can go to the next level, says Lam

Lam watched on as the 26-year-old ran riot in the final quarter of last weekend’s win at Exeter Chiefs, claiming a hat-trick of tries to secure a famous 40-35 victory at Sandy Park.

Ibitoye’s try heroics in just eight minutes helped seal a fabulous fightback from the Bears, who had trailed by 20 points entering into the final quarter – and extended their winning run on the road to eight successive games in the Premiership. Naturally, Lam was quick to talk up the performance of the former Harlequins flyer who, it seems, is building on what was an impressive campaign last term, where he topped many of the top flight’s individual statistics, including metres made, most offloads and defenders beaten.

“What I’m really pleased with about Gabriel Ibitoye is, I believe he’s good enough to play at the next level,” said Lam. “There are areas of his game, which if you think about high balls for example, he’s brilliant at catching high balls.

This story is from the October 20, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 20, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView All
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
The Rugby Paper

Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn

OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 17, 2024
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
The Rugby Paper

McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority

EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 17, 2024
Trinity aim to get the culture right
The Rugby Paper

Trinity aim to get the culture right

HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 17, 2024
YOUNG GUNS
The Rugby Paper

YOUNG GUNS

Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 17, 2024
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker  over Lucs
The Rugby Paper

The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs

CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 17, 2024
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
The Rugby Paper

A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher

A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
The Rugby Paper

Chiefs in hunt for new investment

TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 17, 2024
McParland keen to shine for England A
The Rugby Paper

McParland keen to shine for England A

NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 17, 2024
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
The Rugby Paper

Undercard get chance to show their A-game

ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 17, 2024
England look like a clueless rabble
The Rugby Paper

England look like a clueless rabble

I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.

time-read
1 min  |
November 17, 2024